Course Map
About this Race
The Rock 'n' Roll San Diego Marathon brings the music-lined festival format to Southern California, with live bands stationed along a course that winds through the city's neighborhoods and waterfront. The terrain is moderately undulating rather than flat, and the early-summer staging can turn warm and exposed. It draws a large, festive field there for the party atmosphere as much as the racing. The rolling sections and potential heat call for sensible pacing despite the upbeat mood. It suits runners who want a lively, entertainment-driven race and a celebratory vibe over a guaranteed fast time.
Course Insight
San Diego is a summery, music-lined course with rolling sections and the chance of warmth, lively rather than dead flat. Pace the rollers by effort and don't let the bands and energy pull you out too fast. June sun on the exposed stretches is worth managing with fluids. The festive atmosphere is the draw. Run within yourself early and the rolling course stays manageable to the finish.
Difficulty Breakdown
Mostly due to significant climbing (268m), tough late hills.
Course Details
- Course type
- Point-To-Point
- Elevation gain
- 268m
- Elevation loss
- 339m
- Highest point
- 123m
- Lowest point
- 3m
- Net elevation
- -71m
- Start
- Sixth Ave & Quince St
- Cutoff time
- 7h 0m
Course Records
- Men's
- 2:08:33 — Philip Tarus (Kenya), 1999
- Women's
- 2:23:31 — Bizunesh Deba (Ethiopia), 2011
Race History
The Rock 'n' Roll San Diego Marathon was first held in 1998 as the very first event of the Rock 'n' Roll series, pioneering the format of live bands stationed along the course. Its music-lined route through Southern California sparked a running-festival concept that spread to cities worldwide. From that founding it became the original template for the entire series. Held each summer, it draws a large, festive field to the music-driven race.
Plan Your Trip
Everything you need to know to get there, get settled, and get to the start line.
- Nearest airport(s)
- San Diego International (SAN), John Wayne (SNA) & Tijuana (TIJ)
- Best area to stay
- The Gaslamp Quarter downtown for proximity to the route and full hotels, Mission Valley for value central options, and Mission Beach for seaside stays.
- Getting to the start
- The start is near Balboa Park on 6th Avenue; take the trolley or walk from downtown hotels to the start.